A maturity model for the effective digital transformation of laboratories

Abstract

PurposeThis paper presents a maturity model for digital transformation effectiveness in laboratories (labs) with education and research purposes.Design/methodology/approachThe model was developed using design science research methodology, expert interviews and case studies.FindingsThe model fulfills three practical goals: (1) to establish comparability of the effectiveness of the digital transformation of labs, (2) to provide lab operators from academia and industry with a guide for (further) transformation and (3) to build initial trust among lab users. In addition, the maturity model contributes to the literature on digital lab transformation by capturing, describing, structuring and evaluating relevant dimensions, items and levels. Model strengths and weaknesses, areas for improvement, international applicability and practical and reusable recommendations are presented as well as the added value in assessing lab functionalities and lab sustainability.Practical implicationsAlthough originally developed as a maturity model driven by lab education, the model is also suitable for the transformation of research labs in manufacturing technology management. Digital labs can efficiently support industry training and research and development activities as well as simulate the development of new processes prior to their implementation.Originality/valueEspecially for these use cases, the authors see application potentials for the use of online labs from an organizational perspective and from the perspective of stakeholders such as industry users and operators with a manufacturing background, who use and develop transformed labs for teaching and research.

Frameworks and Models for Digital Transformation in Engineering Education: A Literature Review Using a Systematic Approach

“…To help stakeholders identify essential issues and communicate effectively [42,45] 1. To support international applicability [38] 1. To ensure an affordable price and reduce cost [38,43] 2.…”

“…To support international applicability [38] 1. To ensure an affordable price and reduce cost [38,43] 2. To improve students' online learning experiences and enhance their satisfaction, interest, and motivation [34,38] 2.…”

“…To ensure an affordable price and reduce cost [38,43] 2. To improve students' online learning experiences and enhance their satisfaction, interest, and motivation [34,38] 2. To improve the quality of engineering programs and ensure that they meet the current requirements on DT [40,44] 2.…”

“…To boost advanced innovation [40,45] 2. To maximize availability of information and use of e-resources [35,38,44] 3. To increase proactive adoption of digital learning [45] 3.…”

Guest editorial: Opportunities and threats in providing remote access to manufacturing-related environments

“…In such a context, laboratories may represent very effective tools toward this goal, and they can also benefit from the new possibilities offered by digital technologies. In this sense, just as maturity models have been formulated for the I4.0 paradigm implementation, Kammerlohr et al (2023) develop and validate a maturity model for the digital transformation effectiveness in laboratories for education and research purposes. The authors also suggest their model as a valuable tool to foster sharing economy platforms, by addressing the relevant factors for an effective digital labs' transformation.…”